If you are looking for larger screen Smart 4K UHD TV, then Samsung UN75JU7100 and Samsung UN75JU6500 are two options from Samsung that must be considered.

They are both introduced as 75-Inch flat Smart 4K UHD TV from Samsung’s 2015 TV lineup. Samsung UN75JU7100 is the top model for 75-Inch flat smart 4K UHD TV while Samsung UN75JU6500 is positioned below it.

Why are they both choices that you should consider? The reason is for sure their ability to bring excellent 4K UHD picture quality as well as bring smart entertainment to your home.

As the top and second choice from Samsung, they must have some differences. What you should know about those two TVs and what are their differences? We will talk about that in this review.

Samsung UN75JU7100 (UN75JU7100FXZA)

When you have searched for 75-Inch Smart 4K UHD TV from a few years ago (2014) continues to be popular, then I’m quite sure that you have taken a look at Samsung UN75HU8550 from 2014’s HU8550 model.

Samsung UN75JU7100 is replacement model of Samsung UN75HU8550 that bring most of the technology from it. It’s coming with UHD Dimming technology as well as completed with UHD Upscaling technology to bring near 4K picture quality from your HD contents.

But in Samsung UN65JU7100 you can experience the PurColor technology to deliver more accurate color details as replacement of the older Wide Color Enhancer technology.

PurColor technology itself is the old technology that was installed on the top model of 2014 Samsung Smart TV, Samsung HU9000 model. Samsung UN75JU7100 is also using the new Smart TV platform that powered by Tizen OS that usually called as 2015 Samsung Smart TV. With 2015 Samsung Smart TV, you can get more smart functions as more Apps are able to run on Tizen platform.

Samsung UN75JU6500 is a new variance for 75-Inch Smart 4K UHD TV. It doesn’t have any older model. Typically Samsung JU6500 is replacement model form HU6950 or HU6840 from Samsung’s 2014 TV lineup. But They don’t have any 75-Inch screen size from their model.

Samsung UN75JU6500 is positioned as the more affordable 75-Inch Smart 4K UHD TV as there’re a growing demand for larger screen 4K UHD TV. Unlike Samsung UN75JU7100 that comes with the new peak illuminator technology, Samsung UN75JU6500 is not coming with any peak illuminator as well no precision black as well. But you can still find PurColor technology on it.

In the features aspect, Samsung UN75JU6500 is the same as Samsung UN75JU7100 that use the new Tizen based OS as its Smart TV platform. The difference is that Samsung UN75JU6500 is not completed with any 3D features and Smart remote to keep its price down.

But on the picture quality and entertainment choices, you can still count on Samsung UN75JU6500 as It’s able to bring brilliant 4K UHD picture quality as well as bring HD contents into near 4K picture quality as well as running Smart Entertainment with 2015 Samsung Smart TV although you can’t enjoy 3D entertainment with it.

Samsung UN75JU6500 is not completed with the peak-illuminator-precision black technology so you can notice that It deliver less vibrancy on its screen.

2. Motion Rate

Motion Rate is replaced the older Clear Motion Rate as the new standard of refresh rate technology of Samsung TV. The higher Motion Rate the TV gets then the smoother It’s able to deliver fast action images smoothly. Samsung UN75JU7100 is installed with Motion Rate 240, while Samsung UN75JU6500 use Motion Rate 120.

So We can frankly say that We can get two times smoother fast action images on Samsung UN75JU7100 than what We can get when We watch it using Samsung UN75JU6500.

Although It’s not always the case since our eyes can’t measure how smooth fast action screen on the TV, but in most fast action images you can say yes that Samsung UN75JU7100 is able to deliver smoother fast actions images of your favorite movies and sports.

3. 3D Feature

Is 3D feature is still important for you? That’s a question that can be answered differently by everyone. Samsung UN75JU7100 is completed with Active 3D feature, but It’s not completed with any 3D glasses on its set. While Samsung UN65JU6500 is not installed with any 3D feature at all.

So when you think that 3D is not important for you but you still want the better picture quality technology of Samsung UN75JU7100 then you can simply don’t have to buy additional 3D glasses when you purchase Samsung UN75JU7100.

4. Smart Remote

Is Smart Remote important? Some people say that It’s not that important but for most people It’s important as it makes controlling TV works easier. With Samsung smart remote, you can control your TV using your voice as It’s completed with Voice Interaction technology.

This Smart Remote available on Samsung UN75JU7100, while you only can find standard remote with Samsung UN75JU6500. Although standard remote is fine on controlling your TV and your Smart TV platform, but you can simply do more things easier using smart remote control.

For your note, the remote control used by Samsung UN75JU7100 is TM1560A model and standard remote of Samsung UN75JU6500 is TM1260C.

Which One to Choose?

The first thing to consider when you make a choice is you budget. If you don’t mind spend around $1500 more for your 75-Inch Smart 4K UHD TV then you have to consider Samsung UN75JU7100 as you can find better picture quality with the new combination of Peak Illuminator – Precision black technology as well as smoother fast action images with Motion Rate 240 as the current highest standard of Motion Rate. In the feature aspect, you can also enjoy 3D entertainment on Samsung UN75JU7100 although you have to purchase separate 3D glasses, as well as easier way to control your TV and its Smart TV platform with Smart Remote Control.

Samsung UN75JU7100 is also getting excellent customers feedback so that you don’t need to hesitate to order one. Order Samsung UN75JU7100 Here

Do you have limited budget for your 75-Inch Smart 4K UHD TV? You can still get a good 75-Inch Smart 4K UHD TV by choosing Samsung UN75JU6500. It’s indeed missing peak illuminator-precision black technology and use lower Motion Rate 120 as well as no 3D feature and no Smart Remote but basically what you need is excellent 4K UHD picture quality and powerful Smart TV platform right?

That’s what you can get on Samsung UN75JU6500. So if you can’t afford $1500 more your 75-Inch Smart 4K UHD TV then you should go with Samsung UN75JU6500.

The moment Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson enters the room for our sit-down to discuss his inspiring new real-life drama Gridiron Gang, it is immediately clear to me why the former WWE wrestling champion turned megawatt Hollywood star was the spot-on choice to play Sean Porter, a counselor and unlikely football coach to a motley band of juvenile delinquents.

In a story about discovering self-confidence and redemption through second chances in the grim world of teenaged incarceration, Dwayne Johnson—with his stacked, 6’4”, 225 lb. frame, confidently approaching gait and accessibly warm, pearly smile is nothing if not presence. Onscreen he’s magnetic all right. In person, the guy inspires awe.

The Oscar Igloo: One of the most important concepts in Gridiron Gang in this film is that a single person can make a difference in the life of another if he shows up at just the right time.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Sure. I know firsthand what that’s like. I was arrested multiple times by the time I was seventeen. When I was fourteen, I had been arrested five or six times. I had that one guy in my life who cared enough to invest time in me who said, ‘Listen, you’re going to stop screwing up. I want you to go play football for the high school freshman football team.’

One of his officers was going to be an assistant coach at the time. I played for them and did not learn my lesson. It was a work in progress. I continued to get in trouble and arrested. It wasn’t until I was seventeen, through my high school football coach and my mom and my dad as well… That gives you a prime example of (what can happen) when you invest a little bit of time in a kid. I was running the streets and making all of the wrong decisions, getting involved with people who were not good people. I was fortunate. I got a second shot. If it weren’t for those people in my life who cared, who knows what I would have done? I’m fortunate.

LS: In that sense, Gridiron Gang seems like a film written for you.

DJ: I’ve got to say that when I start to think about the fact that it has been around for fifteen years and Nicolas Cage, Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone all wanted to be Sean Porter at some point, I’m lucky. There’s a bigger reason I believe it fell into my lap. I was one of these kids. I understand that. Now being a daddy to a little five-year-old girl, I understand the power of being a parent and a mentor and the value of what sports can teach our kids.

LS: What did you learn about these kids in your time shooting at the real-life Camp Kilpatrick?

DJ: That was eye opening for us. It was motivating for us as well. We’re invading their turf but respect their turf and respect what the probation officers are doing there. You realize that even though they are bad a** kids who committed some heinous crimes, and they should be punished and they are; they realize that. But at the end of the day they realize that. They are just kids. They deserve a second chance; a second shot. We’re filming every day. These kids are watching from behind their bars, solitary confinement, and to tell them, ‘This is a movie we’re making about you guys that ends on a positive note. The kids before you got out. A couple got shot dead. A couple are serving life terms in other prisons. But you can change.’

LS: Why do you think it’s an important movie for young people today versus most of the nonsense that comes out of Hollywood aimed at their demographic?

DJ: (laughs) I’ve made some of that too! It’s important for a lot of reasons. The kids who are locked up, and I’ve spent a lot of time with them, don’t see tomorrow. They come from a world of neglect; a world of failure. But white, black, Latin, Asian, rich or poor, there is still a value to be learned as a kid; a value structure—the value of competition in sports; the value of sacrificing your own personal goals and needs for the better part of the team. Whether it’s in a business setting or a team like this, college, high school or whatever level it is, just being part of that team, setting a goal, failing at that goal, learning how to deal with that failure, being gracious with your successes—all those things you take with you. Talking to the men and women on probation, there’s a power of expectation. We can’t forget when we tell our kids, ‘I expect you to do better. I expect you to challenge yourself. I expect you to make the right decision. You’re going to do great and I expect you to recognize that.’ If you tell a kid that, nine times out of ten they are going to respond in a positive way. With me, exact same thing. Mind you, it took me a lot of times of hearing that from people. But there is that power of expectation.

LS: Let’s talk about your approach to constructing Sean Porter, who must be a fascinating person to portray.

DJ: I reflected very much on my own experiences. I watched a documentary and I was moved by it. You laugh, you cry—all of the things that you do when you watch the movie. As far as acting, now what I can tell you from experience is there is this awesome responsibility you have as an actor when you are portraying someone who is alive, watching you intensely, making sure you get it right. Sean Porter was reluctant about the movie at first. I’ll tell you why and it will give you an idea what kind of man he is. He said, ‘Listen, there are kids portrayed here who are still alive and responsible citizens in the community; good men with families. What happens if their employers don’t know the bad crimes that the committed? What happens if Junior Palaita’s employer doesn’t know that he beat and killed people with a baseball bat? How is this going to affect his life?’ He was adamantly against the movie at first. He came around and said, ‘If you’re going to tell this story, tell it like it is. The world these kids come from is real. It’s gritty. It’s not nice. But it is positive. It’s something that we preach to these kids every day.’ He said, ‘If you don’t do that, you have failed me and you have failed these kids. I’m telling you man to man, if it doesn’t happen, you have failed me.’ That’s powerful to me, for another guy to sit across from me and tell me that. I appreciate that. I was really grateful for that.

LS: Talk about what Sean gets back from this experience. It’s clear what the kids are getting from him, but what does he learn?

DJ: Sure. I think what Sean gets back, and Sean is one of those guys it’s like pulling teeth to get information out of. It had to be earned. For example, the mom stuff he never told me. What Sean got out of that- I asked him, ‘Did you ever think you were doing incredible things? Did you ever think you were going to save lives?’ He said, ‘I never thought I was going to save lives, but I honestly just cared about these kids. No one else cares about these kids. I care about these kids.’ I think through that whole season that was a defining time for Sean.

LS: Do you feel like a role model as Sean is in Gridiron Gang? Do you feel that responsibility?

DJ: A hundred percent. We all have responsibility. I have responsibility not only as a celebrity but also as an adult. We all have that responsibility to kids and to take care of our kids. As a celebrity that is non-negotiable. It annoys me when some say, ‘I’m not a role model.’ You are. It’s non-negotiable. Kids look up to you. That’s important.

LS: What’s your take on your acting career today? How has your transition into movies been? Your roles now seem to be broadening a bit.

DJ: I’ve been fortunate that I’ve had a wide array of movies offered to me from comedy to action. But with a movie like this, not only is it an incredible story, but then for me as an actor to be challenged and then to grow. As you can imagine, when I first started five or six years ago, I knew I wanted to become a versatile actor, I just wasn’t getting the material that was going to allow me to do that. It just wasn’t coming my way. I understand that. But I’m fortunate to get this, especially with a story like this that resonates on a lot of levels.

LS: How do you balance that? Obviously being The Rock was your entry point into acting. So is there going to be a point where you have gone from The Rock to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to just Dwayne Johnson? Is there a point you will want to shed The Rock from the credits? Will it become more of a curse for you as a serious actor?

DJ: That’s a good question. I don’t think it’s going to be curse. I think it’s on this trajectory now where it is naturally happening, which is nice. For example, with The Scorpion King, I didn’t want to sit down five years ago and say, ‘Please refer to me only as Dwayne Johnson, the Actor, and don’t refer to me as The Rock!’ The Rock was my nickname and it stuck, and over the course of time, through performances- for example, in Be Cool, which became a defining performance, people said, ‘Wow, we understand.’ It happened more naturally. I was just getting referred to as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. In Southland Tales it is just Dwayne Johnson. I’m sure for now it’s going to remain Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson until it naturally takes another turn. (Wrestling) was a great launching point for me; a great opportunity for me. I don’t regret any of that nor do I try and hide that past. Interestingly enough there are so many people I run into who have no idea I had that past. They had no idea that I wrestled!

LS: When did you realize you had a future as an actor? At the beginning it must have just been a side hobby or fun pursuit.

DJ: It was after The Scorpion King happened and into The Rundown. But at that time it was defining for me. It wasn’t like I nailed a scene and now I’ve got a future. What was defining was realizing that in order to do this and be good at what you’re doing, you have got to apply yourself and you have got to be 100% committed. It had to be one or the other, because there is too much involved in both—the studio, millions of dollars, the other actors who have given their lives to the craft. You have to be committed! Then I saw what it takes to make it. Now, I may not. I may strike out.

LS: Which discipline is a greater challenge for you—the physical reality of wrestling or the emotional reality of acting?

DJ: The emotional reality of heavy scenes. Place yourself in that position and you’re trying to get the essence of Sean Porter. He lost his mom and had a great relationship with her. Me too, and my mom is still around, thank God for that. Things like that. I have a strained relationship with my dad, and that scene in the box where he asks me about forgiving—things like that which you have to bring back up and think about—it’s not easy. That’s when you realize acting is tough and I have a lot of respect for it. It gets me excited and motivated. I continue to be even more motivated now and inspired because I understand the process. You learn a lot in five years. You can learn as much as you want to learn. Christopher Walken said, ‘There’s always something to learn.’ That’s coming from him, and I appreciate that! I understand the process much more. It’s hard to make good movies.

LS: What might be a real stretch for you as an actor or something you might be afraid to do?

DJ: I’m not too sure I can pull off the homicidal hermaphrodite attorney! I don’t know. I’ll give it a shot! I’m 6’4”, 225 lbs. It is what it is.

Exactly one year ago, we were not even done with the 2005 – 2006 Oscar race and we were already discussing the top contenders for this year’s race. We are Oscar buzzers, prognosticators and above all, fans and we can’t help to constantly look forward to the most important awards of world cinema in advance.

Last year, I had Dreamgirls and The Departed in our Early Predicted Five (read our last year’s article here) and yes; I also had Marie-Antoinette, All the King’s Men and Guerilla in our Top 5 (you can stop laughing out loud now). The point of predicting the Oscars, from where I see it, is more about having fun and sharing our passion than getting the most right answers.

Just like I pointed out at the end of last year’s article: most films to be listed below will either: be good but not “Oscar”-good, pushed to 2008 or simply, flop.

Having that said, we hope you enjoy our very early look at the 2007 – 2008 Oscar race and we thank you for making us a part of your Academy Awards experience through the whole year. Here we go…

Frank “Superfly” Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, was the biggest Heroin dealer on Harlem through the 70’s and narcotics detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, was the man who ultimately brought Lucas down. This film, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian, tells the story of how this happened.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: While Ridley Scott, Steven Zaillian, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe haven’t had much luck on their particular recent projects, American Gangster could represent a return to shape for all the talent involved. A November release date shows the studio is confident to a point on the film’s awards prospects.

2. CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR (Universal Pictures)

Based on the 2003’s best selling novel by George Crile, Mike Nichols directs this drama centered on Charlie Wilson, the Texas congressman who conspired with a rogue CIA operative to launch an operation to help the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the eighties. Tom Hanks takes double duties as the film’s title character and producer. Recent Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman, along with the recently nominated Amy Adams co-star.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Set to be released on Christmas Day by Universal Pictures, Charlie Wilson’s War has all the elements, talent and marketing wise, to be one of 2007’s stronger contenders including a prestigious director, a proven cast, an award-winning crew and a baity subject. TV guru Aaron Sorkin might be perceived as the film’s weakest link but while the Emmy Award winner has never scored an Oscar nomination for his screenwriting efforts, he has scored Golden Globe nominations for his writing works on A Few Good Men and The American President.

3. THE KITE RUNNER (DreamWorks SKG)

The compelling story of two Afghan men: the wealthy and California-raised Amir and his childhood friend and servant Hassan during the times of the Taliban regime in the country. Screenwriter David Benioff adapts the best selling book by Afghan American author Khaled Hosseini for acclaimed director Marc Forster.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Despite being the creator of Academy Award winning films like Monster’s Ball and Finding Neverland, young director Marc Forster has yet to receive his first Oscar nomination and perhaps, his work on this relevant and politically charged drama will earn it to him.

Joaquin Phoenix and Jennifer Connelly have to deal with their son’s sudden death in “Reservation Road”

4. RESERVATION ROAD (Focus Features)

An intense drama about the outcomes of a hit and run car accident and how it affects the lives of the families of the fugitive driver and his victim. Oscar nominated writer Terry George directs and adapts the famed novel by John Burnham Schwartz. Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino and Mark Ruffalo star.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Oscar friendly by excellence, the adaptation of the best selling novel is poised to become a prominent contender in the acting categories. Characters full with flaws, fears and regret collide after an unfortunate car accident. Joaquin Phoenix plays the leading role as the father dealing with his son’s sudden death and Mark Ruffalo plays the baity role of the remorseful killer.

5. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (Paramount Pictures)

The famous 1927’s novel Oil! gets its first big screen treatment on the upcoming Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation There Will Be Blood. The story revolves around a Texas oil developer (Daniel Day Lewis) and his thorny relationships with the town locals and his family.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Gifted director Paul Thomas Anderson directs Daniel Day Lewis, among others, in his own adaptation of the iconic novel by Upton Sinclair where baity topics like greed, religion and business power merge.

DON’T COUNT OUT
(In order of likelihood)

6. LIONS FOR LAMBS (MGM / United Artists)

Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep star in the Robert Redford war drama focused on the lives of a group of soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. This film marks the first production by Tom Cruise for MGM’s United Artists since he was named chief of the division.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Tom Cruise doesn’t rule the world yet but he, at least, rules Hollywood and his clout should be enough to give this upcoming drama a high profile release date and a lot of buzz. Having Meryl Streep and Robert Redford attached to your project can’t hurt either.

7. 3:10 TO YUMA (Lions Gate Films)

A remake of the 1957’s western classic by Walk the Line’s director James Mangold and starring Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and Peter Fonda.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: It’s been a while since a western has caused any impact on the Awards Season and things are not likely to change anytime soon. Nevertheless, this adaptation could break out of the mold and earn some attention thanks to its pedigree cast and crew.

We think: Crime, sex and violence have been successfully explored by acclaimed director David Cronenberg on his past projects and after the favourable reception of last year’s A History of Violence, this project could go even further with the right push from Focus Features.

9. THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL (Columbia Pictures)

The divisive but best selling historical novel about the rivalry between the aristocrat sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn gets its first film treatment by screenwriter Peter Morgan (The Queen) and director Justin Chadwick. The film is told through the eyes of Mary, played by Scarlett Johansson, who always lived overshadowed by her famous sister Anne, played by Oscar nominee Natalie Portman.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Recent female-centric period pieces dealing with topics such as rivalry, high-class life style and jealously like Memoirs of a Geisha and Marie Antoinette have proven there’s a small gap between making a good, accurate film or a catty and superficial one. Screenwriter Peter Morgan is poised to receive an Oscar nod this year for his acclaimed work on The Queen and maybe, his upcoming look at the 16th century aristocracy will be closer to that project than to the Sofia Coppola’s one. Fans will go crazy but with the novel itself being harshly criticized, there’s a lot to prove for this project (which is better than starting with unreachable expectations).

Cate Blanchett reprises her star-making role as Queen Elizabeth I in “The Golden Age”

10. THE GOLDEN AGE (Universal Pictures)

A sequel to the critically acclaimed Elizabeth, Cate Blanchett reprises her role as Queen Elizabeth I and the film focuses on her relationship with another noble Sir. Walter Raleigh, played by Clive Owen; during the Golden Years of her reign. Geoffrey Rush also reprises his role as Walsingham. Director Shekhar Kapur and writer Michael Hirsch return for the sequel too.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: With most of the key talent involved on Elizabeth back for the sequel, most of the film’s success will rely on Hirsch’s screenplay and Blanchett’s performance as The Virgin Queen.

ALSO IN COMPETITION

11. MICHAEL CLAYTON (Warner Bros. Pictures)

The worst four days in the career of NY top attorney Michael Clayton are told in this story written and directed by Tony Gilroy and starring George Clooney as the lead character along with Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton and Sydney Pollack.

Oscar Potential: Acting Categories

We think: More likely to gain acclaim for its performances than for itself, the film could mark the return of former nominees (and winners) to the Oscar race.

12. SILK (New Line Cinema / Picturehouse)

A passionate love story about a French silkworm smuggler, played by Michael Pitt, who falls in love for a Japanese concubine during a trade trip and begins to have an affair with her, leaving his wife; Keira Knightley, alone. Canadian director Francois Girard adapts and directs, Alfred Molina co-stars.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Having New Line Cinema as distributor is never a good sign for a project with Oscar hopes but the acclaimed source material, the confident fall release date and the solid cast will definitely place the film in the spotlight.

We think: The key to a good Broadway adaptation is a good screenwriter adapting it for the big screen. Concerning the upcoming Tim Burton project, everything seems to be in good hands with Oscar nominated writer John Logan in charge. From that point, the overall success of these genre films depends on the their tone.

14. I’M NOT THERE (N/A)

An unconventional biopic of legendary musician Bob Dylan by Oscar nominee Todd Haynes and starring, among others: Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Julianne Moore as Dylan, through different stages of his life and career.

Oscar Potential: Acting & Writing

We think: Atypical AMPAS to the least, the film is poised to debut at Cannes next May and it will probably attract lots of attention given its strong cast and unusual concept.

15. RENDITION (New Line Cinema)

A CIA analyst in Cairo witnesses an unorthodox interrogation of a foreigner by the Egyptian secret police in director Gavin Hood’s first Hollywood project. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep and Alan Arkin.

Oscar Potential: Acting & Writing

We think: After winning the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar last March for Tsotsi, Gavin Hood’s first directorial effort in Hollywood has been blessed with a suggestive release date and a cast of Oscar winners and nominees. It’s hard to tell if the film will be Oscar friendly material though.

NEVER SAY NEVER…

16. MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS (The Weinstein Company)

World renowned filmmaker Wong Kar Wai directs his first English language project about a young woman’s road trip across the country to resolve her questions about love and the meaning of life. Singer Norah Jones, Rachel Weisz, Jude Law, David Strathairn and Natalie Portman star.

Oscar Potential: Acting & Directing

We think: Wong Kar Wai has earned acclaim for his work on the Hong Kong film industry and this could be the director’s chance to introduce his work to a wider audience with this Hollywood project.

Oscar nominee Javier Bardem stars in “Love in the Time of Cholera”

17. LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA (New Line Cinema)

Oscar winner Ronald Harwood adapts the world famous novel by Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez about a lifelong love triangle in the late 19th century’s South America. The TV film stars Javier Bardem, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Benjamin Bratt and John Leguizamo.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Films based on award-winning print sources can only go wrong if they are ruined during the adaptation process. Screenwriter Ronald Harwood won the Oscar for his work on The Pianist and he is now in charge of Mike Newell’s ambitious film so it seems the project is in good hands.

Controversy Ahead: Lindsay Lohan and Jared Leto on the set of “Chapter 27”

18. CHAPTER 27 (N/A)

Jared Leto plays Mark David Chapman, the much despised man who is responsible for John Lennon’s assassination on the debut of writer and director Jarrett Schaeffer. Lindsay Lohan co-stars.

Oscar Potential: Acting Categories

We think: The very controversial Chapter 27 is about to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and will probably acquire distribution soon after. Expect Jared Leto to become an early contender if his performance is well received at the festival (and also expect a lot of loathe to the film and its depiction of Chapman’s motivations).

19. AN AMERICAN CRIME (First Look Studios)

The kidnap, torture and murder of Sylvia Likens (Ellen Page) in the 60’s through the eyes of her murderess Gertrude Baniszewski (Catherine Keener).

Oscar Potential: Acting Categories

We think: What’s more Oscar friendly than a female killer? A female serial killer… But in this case, a solid performance by the well respected Kenner as the housewife turned murderess Baniszewski could earn the actress her third Oscar nomination.

20. EVENING (Focus Features)

Vanessa Redgrave is Ann Grant, a 65-year old woman about to die of cancer who remembers her life through hallucinations induced by morphine. Awake, she has to deal with her grown-up children and asleep, she remembers the best and worst moments of her life. Patrick Wilson, Toni Collette, Claire Danes, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep co-star.

Oscar Potential: Acting Categories

We think: Superb is the best way to describe Evening’s cast but its summer release date is dooming its Oscar hopes way in advance.

YOU NEVER KNOW…

21. IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH (Warner Bros. Pictures)

A career office played by Tommy Lee Jones investigates the disappearance of his son, an exemplary soldier who mysteriously disserted the forces after his return from Iraq. Paul Haggis writes and directs the war drama also starring Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon and James Franco.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: Paul Haggis is one of the most popular names within the Academy these days thanks to his work on the Oscar winning films Million Dollar Baby and Crash. Will he repeat his success with this upcoming project or will Elah go the same route as his most recent project, the loudly buzzed but poorly received Flags of our Fathers?

22. THE BUCKET LIST (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Two terminally ill men played by Oscar winners Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of things to do before they die in the latest film by director Rob Reiner.

Oscar Potential: Acting Categories

We think: Arguably the best pairing of actors for any 2007 release, Nicholson and Freeman seem likely to gain buzz if the film gets a decent release date… and positive reviews.

The first part of Philip Pullman’s acclaimed trilogy His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass is directed by Chris Weitz and stars Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Eva Green. It will be New Line Cinema’s biggest budget project since The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Oscar Potential: All Categories

We think: After The Lord of the Rings films, the bar for fantasy epics has been set way too high and while this adaptation is set to be another feast for the eyes, it’s uncertain if it can reach the same level of its predecessor films.

24. MARGOT AT THE WEDDING (Paramount Classics)

Oscar nominated writer/director Noah Baumbach directs Nicole Kidman on this dramedy about a mother who takes her son out to visit family for a weekend and ends up discovering more about her and her life choices. Jack Black, Jennifer Jason Leigh and John Turturro co-star.

Oscar Potential: Acting & Writing

We think: Baumbach got acclaim and multiple awards for his treatment of complex family relations in the successful The Squid and the Whale so there’s no surprise that his follow-up project is packed with very strong buzz. When more details about the project are revealed, we’ll know what this film’s main goals are.

The stormy biopic of English novelist Jane Austen, played by Anne Hathaway, author of classic books as Pride & Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Maggie Smith and Julie Walters costar.

Oscar Potential: Acting, Artistic & Technical Categories

We think: Fresh from her commercial success with The Devil Wears Prada and her introduction to more mature films with Brokeback Mountain, Anne Hathaway is already collecting buzz for her portrayal of the iconic Austen but she’ll have to face the big challenge to convince critics she can pull a British accent.

While we can predict what films will be good judging them by the talent attached to them, we can’t really predict what will be of the Academy’s taste. Most of the films we have featured on this special are likely to disappoint or disappear from the release schedule but there’s probably at least one here that will eventually win an Oscar.

Thank you for sharing Awards Season 2006 with us, the best is yet to come…